Compact and light multi-exercise device providing hyperextension and instability in all directions

ABSTRACT

A small, light, handy personal fitness device offers both support and/or instability during abdominal and other exercises. The lumbar support ( 1 ) allows hyperextension during rocking motion. When the user is positioned with buttock in pelvic basin ( 3   a ), lumbar support ( 1 ) in combination with end contour ( 4   b ) gives support such that the body&#39;s own weight assists in the upward crunching motion. The inverted domed surface ( 2 ) offers instability in all directions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/003,303 filing date Nov. 16, 2007

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention is an exercise device, specifically relating to increasing the effectiveness of abdominal muscle exercises. The invention is used in conjunction with a variety of abdominal exercises, primarily being placed under the user's torso during abdominal exercises. The invention provides several options for enhancing the difficulty to ease of related core body exercises. The shape allows for a combination of support, stability, and instability options.

2. Prior Art

Other exercise devices offering abdominal exercises provide unidirectional instability. The invention disclosed herein, provides all-directional instability. All-directional instability strengthens the core. Furthermore, in addition to muscular tissues, this invention strengthens and conditions skeletal tissues such as ligaments and tendons.

Other abdominal exercise devices do not have the “flying bird with wings open” shape of this invention. The middle hump of this shape provides hyperextension for the lumbar, while the contoured end edge supports the back during crunches.

This invention provides optimal training with a simple, easy, and fun fitness machine. The invention is compact and can fit in a closet or under the bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,067 to Colonello (1988) shows a device that can be used for crunches. But this device does not have a symmetrical design like the invention disclosed herein. It does not have an inverted dome surface, opposing a “flying-bird” surface, combination thereof providing simultaneous hyperextension and instability to strengthen core and enhance sense of balance and conditioning muscles used for implementation of balance.

No fitness device is has been invented with the combination of design form and particular functions disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to provide a compact exercise apparatus that provides numerous exercise options, makes exercising easy and fun, and is highly effective by providing hyperextension in conjunction with instability. The instability is in all directions. The invention could be used to do sit-ups, crunches, and lateral crunches muscles of the arm, upper and lower abdominal muscles, lower back, oblique muscles on the side of the core could be targeted for conditioning. These exercises will sculpt the waist, lower back, buttocks, and sides.

When the invention is inverted, it forms a stable arch, which can be used to do side crunches.

The invention can be solid or inflatable. It could also be rigid or have some flexibility. The shape of the invention makes it easier and more focused than just using a floor.

In summary, this invention provides numerous exercises with instability and hyperextension, and making exercising more effective and fun. The invention offers these advantages while offering

-   -   Compactness     -   Ease of use     -   Simplicity     -   Portability     -   Sleek industrial design

Merits of the Invention

This invention is an exercise aid to be used for a variety of exercise motions and provides hyperextension, back support, arm support, and instability. Hyperextension extends the angle between bones of a joint greater than normal and extends the muscles beyond the normal range of motion. Hyperextension increases muscle tone and strength and reduces chance of sports injuries.

This invention supports and assists the user like an “ab-rocker.” It has the all-directional instability factor of an exercise ball to strengthen the core. This invention also allows the lower back to be supported while the abdominal muscles hyper extend for maximum effectiveness.

The invention is simple, one piece design, and has no moving parts or connections.

In addition to muscle toning, strengthening, and conditioning the device offers improved sense of balance for sports, which require heightened sense of balance such as ice skating, ski, gymnastics, hockey, snowboarding, and water skiing, etc. This all-direction instability improves the sense of balance (in the ear and brain) all directions and strengthens the muscles needed to implement the balance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view.

FIG. 2 shows the side view

FIG. 3 shows the top view.

FIG. 4 shows the end view.

FIG. 5 shows a person using the device for crunches

FIG. 6 shows a person using the device for crunches with the invention inverted.

FIG. 7 shows the invention inverted and used for side crunches.

FIG. 8 shows a person doing push ups.

FIG. 9 shows a person doing lunges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view. The lower back hump is seen. The upper surface is shaped like the front profile of a bird in flight with wings open.

FIG. 2 shows the side view. The lumbar support (1) allows hyperextension during rocking motion. When the user is positioned with buttock in pelvic basin (3 a and 3 b), lumbar support (1) in combination with end contour (4 b and 4 a) gives support such that the body's own weight assists in the upward crunching motion. The inverted domed surface (2) offers instability in all directions.

FIG. 3 shows the top view.

FIG. 4 shows the side view.

FIG. 5 shows the assisted crunch makes doing the essential ab exercise easier and more comfortable, the rocking motion helps lift the person up and the padded support provide back comfort.

FIG. 6 the hyperextension crunch is the super effective ab exercise for lower and mid-abdominals, the body bends back over the Ab Ray and has a greater range of motion producing better results

FIG. 7 shows lateral crunches being made on the inverted invention.

FIG. 8 shows the invention being used to do push ups with dynamic instability.

FIG. 9 shows the invention being used to do lunges with dynamic instability.

From the foregoing, it should be readily evident, that there has been provided a significantly improved abdominal and other muscles exercise device.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A single-piece exercise device offering instability and hyperextension with a. A bottom surface curved in all directions like an inverted dome, b. The top surface shaped as the front profile of a flying bird, providing two concave surfaces with one hump between the two in the middle. Said bottom surface providing instability in all directions, and said top surface hump providing support for lower back during crunches.
 2. A solid one-piece exercise device offering instability and hyperextension with, a. the bottom surface curved like a rocker providing instability in one direction b. the top surface shaped as the front profile of a flying bird with wings open, providing two concave surfaces with one hump between the two in the middle. Said bottom surface providing instability in all directions, and said top surface hump providing support for lower back during crunches.
 3. The method of doing crunches using a device with the boom surface curved in all directions like an inverted dome. The top surface shaped as the front profile of a flying bird with wings open, providing two concave surfaces with one hump between the two in the middle. 